It’s summertime in Mississippi, which means one thing – it’s hot (really, really hot). When the temperature’s on the rise, the only thing to do is find a great spot to cool down, and that’s where Merit Water Park comes in. Known as a "place of peace and tranquility," the water park features a spring-fed creek with some of the coldest, most pristine water in the state.
Encompassing 25 acres, Merit Water Park is located 4 miles south of D’Lo on Rials Creek.
The secluded water park features a small waterfall, sand and rock creek-side beach, and an old-fashioned swimming hole.
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The park’s other facilities include a parking area and picnic tables.
Since it’s spring-fed, the creek runs cold year-round, even during the hottest days of summer.
Aside from being nice and cold, the creek’s water is crystal clear.
The water may appear brown in some pictures; however, look closely and you’ll realize that’s just the bottom of the creek.
Offering the some of the clearest, coldest water around, a trip to Merit Water Park is the perfect solution to a hot summer day. Visit the park at 1043 Hwy 43 in Mendenhall. Click here to visit the Merit Water Park website.
The last thing you’d expect to find in the middle of a bustling city is a flourishing garden brimming with colorful flowers and lush greenery, yet that’s exactly the case with Mynelle Gardens. Despite being located in Jackson, many are completely unaware the gorgeous garden even exists, and that’s a real shame because the breathtaking grounds are like something straight from a fairy tale. From the impressive variety of fauna to the whimsical décor, it’s practically guaranteed that you’ll fall in love with Mynelle Gardens. Take a look:
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Spanning seven acres, Mynelle Gardens is located on Clinton Boulevard in Jackson.
Although located in the capital city, the beautiful grounds are pretty secluded, providing a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Now open to the public year-round, Mynelle Gardens was once the private garden of Mynelle Westbrook Hayward.
Hayward, a Jackson native, was known nationally for her stunning floral arrangements and gardening skills.
One of the first sites you'll see when visiting is the Westbrook House, which was built in 1917 by Hayward's father.
Several years ago, the building was renovated and is now available for private events.
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Easily explore the grounds by following one of the many paths that lead through the garden.
The main path, which is paved, is perfect for a quick visit.
Follow one of the many smaller paths and you could easily spend hours wandering around the unbelievably beautiful grounds.
Luckily, there's plenty of gazebos and benches, which are perfect for taking a break and enjoying your surroundings.
As you make your way through the garden, you'll feel as if you're in the middle of a fairy tale.
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Be sure to have your camera ready, as you'll come across colorful flowers, exotic plants, and perennials.
Only adding to the garden's charm, is a serene pond and quaint bridge.
Walk across the bridge, and you'll be able to fully take in the picturesque scenery.
Gorgeous statues also fill the garden.
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Incredibly life-like, the statues are like something you'd expect to find in fine art galleries.
Ready to explore this amazing secret garden?
Mynelle Gardens is located 4736 Clinton Boulevard in Jackson and is open Monday through Saturday. For more information, head to the City of Jackson’s website.
Mississippi's setting makes it a unique blend of Southern beauty, coastal charm, and down-home familiarity. But just when you think you've seen it all and can settle in for a spell, there's more to uncover! Even longtime residents may not realize that some of Mississippi's best attractions are hiding right under our noses - and the MSU Rose Garden - a.k.a., the Veterans Memorial Rose Garden in Starkville, Mississippi - is definitely one of them. Despite its location on Mississippi State University’s campus, not many people know the garden even exists, and that’s a real shame because it’s absolutely enchanting. Take a look at this beautiful, overlooked secret garden in Mississippi.
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Situated on the MSU campus, the Veterans Memorial Rose Garden is open and free to the public to visit.
It was established in 2007, as an Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. Today, it’s a tranquil spot with gazebos, arbors, benches, and lots of beautiful roses.
To be exact, there are more than 80 different kinds of roses! The garden also includes a variety of ornamental trees and shrubbery, only adding to its beauty.
From the tropical-hued hot tamale rose to the whimsical fairy rose, discover them all and choose your favorite. If you love roses (or flowers in general), this is absolutely one of the prettiest gardens to visit in Mississippi.
An arched bridge connects the parking lot to the garden, so accessing the garden is a breeze – for all ages.
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Everything is paved and stroller-friendly.
Walkways weave through the flower beds, making it easy to peacefully stroll through the garden. There are also several benches, so you can stop and smell the roses, literally.
The garden is open year-round; however, the roses will only bloom until the frost in fall, so be sure to time your visit correctly.
Veterans Memorial Rose Garden is located at the Highway 182 entrance to the R. Rodney Foil Plant Science Research Facility. But as you can see from the map, it’s not the only garden on campus.
MSU’s other garden, Mississippi State Trial Garden, is just as lovely. Filled with plants that thrive in Mississippi, it’s a great place for local gardeners to get ideas.
Two of the best gardens in Mississippi, both on one campus? Sounds like a fantastic day trip to us!
What an idyllic spot - not to mention a treat for all the senses! Visit the MSU Veterans Memorial Rose Garden website to learn more about the dozens of stunning varieties of roses here and to plan your visit to one of the best gardens in Mississippi!
So, have you ever been to the MSU's MAFES Rose Garden on the Mississippi State campus? What do you think are the most beautiful places in Mississippi? Tell us in the comments section!
If you enjoyed this, you'll also love this lovely flower walk in Belzoni, MS, as well.